Genetics and male infertility

This article reviews chromosomal and genetic disorders in the context of ma le fertility. Particular emphasis is on those disorders, which are encounte red, in clinical practice including Klinefelter's syndrome, Kallman's syndr ome, Androgen insensitivity, Y microdeletions, Y fertility gene deletions, and cystic fibrosis gene mutations. These disorders are discussed in relati on to the aetiology of male fertility and also risks to children who are bo rn of fathers with these disorders. A list of fathers' categories is propos ed for outcome studies for children born after IVF-ICSI, Finally a question is proposed to catalyse debate about germ line therapy. (C) 2000 Lippincot t Williams & Wilkins.